Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Oujda lies on the main axis connecting Morocco with the rest of North Africa (the Ro-
mans built a road through here). Like Taza, it occupied a key position in controlling the
east and was often seen as a vital stepping stone for armies aiming to seize control of the
heartland around it.
Founded by the Meghraoua tribe in the 10th century, Oujda remained independent until
the Almohads overran it a century later. Under the Merenids, Algerian rulers based in
Tlemcen took the town on several occasions, and in the 17th century it fell under the Otto-
man in Algiers.
Moulay Ismail put an end to this in 1687, and Oujda remained in Moroccan hands until
1907, when French forces in Algeria crossed the frontier and occupied the town in one of
a series of similar 'incidents'. The protectorate was still five years away, but the sultan
was powerless to stop it.
The French soon expanded Oujda, which is still burgeoning as a provincial capital.
Sights
Medina
Oujda's medina isn't large but the walls and several surrounding squares have been re-
full of food stalls (Oujda olives are well regarded) and street cafes. Bustling without being
overwhelming, it's a great slice of tradition and modernity. From Pl el-Attarine, head
built by the Merenids, popping out near Pl du 16 Août, the centre of the ville nouvelle.
MEDINA
Central Oujda
Although full of new buildings, a few deco structures survive in the side streets of central
NOTABLE BUILDING
GOOGLE MAP
,
and the impressive French neo-Moor-
Mass 6.30pm Sat, 9am Sun)
, with nesting storks on its
GOOGLE MAP
(Pl 9 Juillet;
OFFLINE MAP
towers.
Parc Lalla Aicha
PARK
